By Following public concern over 41 municipal ambulances left unused for six years, the Gauteng Provincial Government has issued a statement clarifying the legal and regulatory framework governing emergency medical services (EMS) across the province.
The 41 vehicles in question were originally purchased in 2019 by the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (COJEMS). Addressing the issue, provincial authorities noted that the Gauteng government was not involved in the procurement, funding, or acquisition of these assets.
The Legal Framework Behind Provincialisation
The current transition stems from a long-term restructuring initiative that began in 2009, when the Gauteng Department of Health initiated the provincialisation of ambulance services from local municipalities.
This centralization is grounded in key statutory mandates:
- The Constitution (Act 108 of 1996): Establishes healthcare as a shared responsibility strictly between national and provincial spheres of government.
- National Health Act (Act 61 of 2003): Formally assigns the administration and delivery of EMS to provincial governments.
- Emergency Medical Services Regulations (2017): Establishes standardized criteria for vehicle specifications, medical equipment, staffing qualifications, and licensing.
The primary objective of bringing emergency services under direct provincial control is to eliminate fragmented service delivery, establish consistent clinical standards, and streamline emergency response coordination throughout Gauteng.
Current Status of the Licensing Application
While the 41 ambulances have remained grounded, recent administrative steps indicate potential movement toward resolving the bottleneck. In July 2026, the City of Johannesburg formally submitted an application to the provincial government for an EMS operating licence covering six local stations.
The application is currently undergoing official review and assessment. A final determination on licensing will be made by the Head of Department for Gauteng Health.
Potential Absorption into the Provincial Fleet
To address the long-standing issue of the unutilized vehicles, provincial officials plan to hold targeted discussions with COJEMS regarding the future of the 41 ambulances. Among the solutions under consideration is the potential absorption of these vehicles into the broader provincial fleet, provided they satisfy all technical and regulatory requirements.
Provincial representatives emphasized their commitment to curbing resource mismanagement, safeguarding public assets, and building a fully compliant, efficient emergency network capable of meeting the urgent healthcare needs of all Gauteng residents.
